The Systemic Functional Level Theory (SFLT) and its consequence, the Law of Functional Information Increase (LIFI)

Abstract

I argue that the new Law of Increasing Functional Information (LIFI), proposed by Michael L. Wong, Robert Hazen, and collaborators, belong to a theory I developed, called the Systemic Functional Level Theory (SFLT), because information requires matter and energy to be generated, stored, transmitted, and processed. Increasing Functional Information is the effect; the Systemic Functional Level (SFL) is the cause. The universe tends to organize systems where matter and energy are shaped by information to ensure persistence. The Systemic Functional Level is a measure or degree of a system's functioning in terms of increasing complexity, given by the combination of matter, energy, and information. The amount of information generated, stored, transmitted, and processed by the system has a greater "weight" than the other two "variables". For example, we have less mass than a lion, we expend less energy, but the amount of information we process, due to our brain, causes the Systemic Functional Level to be higher. Since we are dealing with complex systems, it is impossible to express all of this in formulas, but it would be something like mass x energy x information; and it may be different. If the Systemic Functional Level increases, functional information also increases, being dependent on it.

Keywords: Law of Increase in Functional Information, LIFI, Michael L. Wong, Systemic Functional Level, SFL, Systemic Functional Level Theory, SFLT, Argos Arruda Pinto, Energy, Matter, Information.

1. Introduction

The Systemic Functional Level Theory posits that the evolution of any system, be it mineral, biological, or technological, is governed by a concomitant increase in its material, energetic, and informational base. According to this theory, functional information does not arise in isolation, but as a direct result of the elevation of the system's functional level.

2. The Axiom of the Systemic Trinity

For functionality to increase, a system must necessarily optimize the relationship between three fundamental pillars. While traditional thermodynamics focuses on the first two, Systemic Functional Level Theory posits that the evolution of complexity is driven by the interaction of these with a third non-conservative variable:

Mass M: the physical substrate, the structural magnitude, and the gravitational/inertial support.

Energy E: the potential for connection, maintenance flow, work, and metabolic or computational processing.

Information I: the configuration, the design, the specific symmetry, or the code that assigns purpose and constraints to mass and energy.

To formalize this interdependence, Systemic Functional Level Theory is expressed as a function of these variables:

SFLT ≈ f(M ⋅ E ⋅ I^α)

In this expression, α represents the non-linear scaling factor, or informational ‘weight’. While M and E are governed by strict conservation laws, information I is not conservative and is cumulative. The exponent α explains why systems with relatively low mass and energy consumption—such as the human brain compared to larger mammals—can achieve functional levels orders of magnitude higher.

As a system evolves, ‘informational density’ begins to grow exponentially, acting as the main driver of the Law of Functional Information Increasing. Without this modification of the material/energy base through informational weighting, functionality would remain static.

Central postulate: functional information, expressed in the Law of Functional Information Increasing (Wong, Michael L. et al.), is the manifestation of the organization of matter and energy at levels of increasing complexity. Without the modification of matter/energy, information cannot be stored or transmitted.

3. The Selection Mechanism for Function

The Law of Functional Information Increase proposes that nature selects through persistence and novelty. The Systemic Functional Level Theory explains that this selection occurs through the refinement of structure:

Static persistence (e.g., diamond): the increase in the Systemic Functional Level is observed in the transition from isolated carbon atoms to a crystalline lattice. The spatial configuration of 109.5° angles maximizes binding energy and hardness, transforming structural information into physical utility.

Dynamic persistence (e.g., stars and cells): systems that maintain a constant flow. In the case of stars, the evolution of hydrogen and helium into heavy elements increases the number of protons and energy levels (electron shells), raising the cosmic Systemic Functional Level.

Novelty generation (e.g., biological membranes): in a membrane being internally destroyed by an element 'A', allowing the entry of an inhibitor 'B', due to any transformation in its structure without altering the Systemic Functional Level, it is demonstrated that it increases because the system adds this extra element of protection, mass, and a new recognition code, the information.

4. Comparison: Law of Functional Information Augmentation, LIFI, vs. Systemic Functional Level, SFL.

The relationships below summarize how the Systemic Functional Level acts as the engine behind the observations of the Law of Functional Information Augmentation:

LIFI: Universality

SFL: occurs from the atom to software, as everything that exists occupies mass and processes energy.

LIFI: Enhanced Complexity

SFL: is the result of compacting more functions into structures with specific spatial configurations.

LIFI: Purposeful Information

SFL: information is only 'functional' if there is a physical structure M capable of performing work E.

LIFI: Counterpoint to Entropy

SFL: the Systemic Functional Level is an “accumulator of order”. In this context, it acts as a local accumulator of order that, by processing external energy flows to organize matter, converts negentropy into structured and persistent functional information. This allows the system to reduce informational clutter and increase its resilience against environmental degradation.

5. The Singularity of the Triclinic System (the turquoise example)

We can use turquoise to illustrate the increase in information through symmetry breaking, which is evidence of structural information storage. In the triclinic system of this rock (a ≠ b ≠ c, edge lengths and angles between atoms different from 90°), the "low level of symmetry" paradoxically requires a greater amount of specific information to describe the structure than a simple cubic system. This proves that mineral evolution is not just a mixture of atoms, but a refinement of "positional information" and bonds.

Final Synthesis

The Increase in Functional Information is the emergent effect, while the Increase in Systemic Functional Level is the fundamental cause. The universe tends to organize systems where matter and energy are shaped by information to ensure persistence; however, this process is not arbitrary. It is governed by the system's ability to act as a local accumulator of order, converting environmental negentropy into stable functional structures.

Within this structure, carbon compounds are the "sparks of life" not only because of their chemical affinity, but because they possess the unique geometric and energetic versatility necessary to achieve exceptionally high systemic functional levels. This transition from chemistry to biology marks the point where the informational component of the Systemic Trinity (M, E, I) begins to scale non-linearly, allowing for the generation of novelty and dynamic persistence. Ultimately, the Law of Functional Information Increase serves as the macroscopic metric for a deeper thermodynamic drive: the systemic search for higher functional levels.

Reference: Wong, Michael L. et al. "On the roles of function and selection in evolving systems". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, v. 120, n. 43, e2310223120, 2023.